British Gas are expected to announce an 8% increase in energy bills in the next few weeks, an average of £100 a year for dual fuel customers.

A source in the industry said “Definitely expect a price rise. It is going to happen.

“They made some good money in the last winter – which they are effectively giving back by delaying any tariff increase – but when you look at the non-energy commodity costs that are flowing through, a price rise of that magnitude simply to offset some of these other costs is not out of the question.”

The other energy suppliers are also expected to announce price rises in the coming weeks because “they all have the same cost pressures”.

British Gas said they would not comment on the claims and market rumours.